Stephens' career in the state legislature included serving as the GOP House majority leader before Rep. Frank McNulty.

"I've proven that I can win tough races, and I've demonstrated that I have the drive and determination to outwork any opponent," Stephens said in a campaign press release. "I am confident that with the help of conservative activists from across Colorado, I will defeat Senator Udall and bring sanity back to the nation's capital."

Proving her conservative bona-fides will be no problem for Stephens, but appealing to moderates could prove challenging.

As of Friday, the bio on Stephen's campaign website does not mention that she used to work for the evangelical group Focus on the Family or her vocal opposition of the movement which legalized same-sex civil unions in Colorado.

Stephens will by vying for the GOP nomination against state Sen. Randy Baumgardner, who is also a rancher in Hot Sulpher Springs, Weld County District Attorney Ken Buck and State Sen. Owen Hill (R-Colorado Springs).